With the Army

Originally it was intended that the Squadron would consist of five mobile meteorological flights (MMF), one to be located in each of the States of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia. Ultimately, six flights were formed, and their subsequent disposition was influenced by the onset of the Japanese and the development of World War II in the Pacific area.

The functions of the MMF were set out as follows:

1. General advising and forecasting of the weather in the strategical area in which each flight was located;


2. Issuing of special forecasts for special movements and operations in the area;


3. Provision of regular information as to terrain conditions—covering rainfall, river heights, winds, visibility, clouds, temperature and barometric pressure;


4. Regular issue of 'meteors' for all types of artillery;


5. During periods of inactivity, the meteorological flight would be engaged in climatological studies for the information of intelligence for troop and transport movements that might become necessary. [80]

Bureau of Meteorology